Clearing sidewalks of snow isn't just a matter of making it easier on pedestrians in your neighborhood.

In some communities, like Muskegon, it's the law.

The city's public works department clears sidewalks in the vicinity of schools, for the safety of schoolchildren.

Chronicle/Cory MorsePhyllis Grubbs, 73, takes a break while using a hoe to break up caked on snow and ice left by tire tracks in her driveway on Beach Street Wednesday. Grubbs said the winter weather doesn't bother her and isn't worried about slipping. "I don't mind it a bit," she said.

But otherwise, Sec. 74-7 of the Code of Ordinances, which can be read in its entirety on the city's Web site (www.shorelinecity.com), says householders must remove snow and ice by 9 a.m., "or upon being requested to do so by a police officer."

Those who fail to do so within six hours of such a request may see the snow and ice removed by the city, for which they may be billed through a special assessment.

Many other cities have similar ordinances. Residents can find out about sidewalk-clearing requirements by calling their city hall or looking up their local government's Web site on the Internet.

Clearing your sidewalk and walkway to your house also assures you will continue to receive mail.

It is U.S. Postal Service policy that mail may be withheld if customers fail to clear walkways.

"If no attempt has been made, we'll cut the mail off until it's cleared," Muskegon Postmaster Jim Price said.

Winter isn't nearly over yet, and several postal carriers have already reported slip-and-fall accidents while walking their routes, Price said.

"We haven't had an increase in falls, but it's still early in the season," Price said. "It's an ongoing problem obviously because of ice, snow on top of ice, and in many cases, customers failing to shovel their walks.

Homeowners in most local areas should not rely on their municipalities to clear their sidewalks.

In a cost-cutting measure, last fall the North Muskegon City Council cut sidewalk snow removal from the 2009 budget after a decade of providing that service. Officials said personnel available to do the plowing has dwindled, and heavy snowfall makes removal problematic; and many homeowners weren't marking their property boundaries, causing lawns and mailboxes to be damaged. The move brings the city an annual savings of $8,500.

There have been very few complaints to the city, according to North Muskegon City Manager Dennis Stepke.

Sidewalks that are plowed include those in Roosevelt Park, Grand Haven and some areas within the village of Spring Lake.